Changing out Head?

[W8kski]

I've got an 04' RN that is pretty stock other than a B-pipe I just added and aftermarket flame arrestors. If I want to add a new head is that pretty much just remove the old and replace it with the new one or is there more to it than that? Do I have to change anything else for doing that, or is it just a bolt-on and go? What head is recommended? Girdled or non?

 

[Matt_E]

A girdled choice keeps the cylinder from potentially cracking, which can be an issue.
Non-girdled heads are a simple installation - just take the old head off, scrape the head gasket off, and bolt on the new head.
With a girdled head, you will also need to remove the cylinder-to-case bolts (six) and replace them with the girdle hardware. This can be done without removing the engine.
Depending on what dome size you get with your new head, you may need run higher octane gas.

 

[W8kski]

Is there much of a gain by changing out the head? Sounds like the girdled head is the way to go, but it's going to be more difficult to install? Higher octane as in 93 octane or like race fuel? How do I know what size domes to get?

 

[puppy]

ada with 35 domes and 93 octane

 

[Matt_E]

Installing a girdled head will mean removing six more bolts. That's it.
It's not really difficult.
Smaller domes equal more compression equal the need for higher octane gas.
Higher compression means more performance.
Stay with 38cc domes (for a 701) for 87 octane pump gas, and 35cc domes for 92 octane pump gas.

 

[W8kski]

Girdled it is. Thanks guys.

 

[FreestyleFreak]

Go ahead if you can afford race gas get the higher compression.

 

[W8kski]

Which domes will require race gas?

 

[Cliff]

33 and lower

 

[Cliff]

if your close to an airport, avgas will work. averages $3.35 to $3.75 right now

 

[W8kski]

OK. I put an ADA girdled head on with the 35cc domes. What do I do with the sensor that went into the stock head? Should I use both water outlets or just plug one? What's best?

 

[Matt_E]

I would use both outlets, even if you tee them together.
You get more even water flow patterns through your cylinder that way.
Ditch the temperature sensor.

 

[W8kski]

Do I just cut the wires that come out of the ebox for the sensor or what?

 

[Matt_E]

You could do that. Or wrap it in a loop and zip tie it to the ebox.

 

[W8kski]

OK. Thanks I appreciate it. Now I'vve got to wait until I get some decent weather to test it out. I put a new b pipe on it a few monts ago and haven't gotten to ride it yet. Hopefully it will be night and day when I get back on the water.

 

[Papnschmilees]

I have a similar set up to you and I am planning on my next mod being ada with 35's. let me know how much of a difference you feel

 

[orangefinger]

33 and lower

sea level !!!!! I run 31cc at 5500 feet with 91 octane....

 

[701superjet]

Do I just cut the wires that come out of the ebox for the sensor or what?

use it as your bilge pump wire

 

[Proformance1]

I'm sure you already know but make sure to adjust carbs, and re jet if you didn't already with the B pipe.

 

[Mark44]

First step is to
check your squish if you installed a new head.

Mark44